Large fleet vies for honours in annual SAS Grand Slam
With a fleet of 34 dinghies taking to the water, the two largest fleets were the Oppies and Lasers.
THE third annual SAS Grand Slam hosted by Point Yacht Club was held in the bay over the weekend.With a fleet of 34 dinghies taking to the water, the two largest fleets were the Oppies and Lasers. Leading the full rig Lasers, was Gregg Dobson closely followed by JP McCoughlin who is making a welcome return to the sport. Third was Siya Vato who had moments of shining on the water. Joining them in the full rig was Denmar Nel and John Eales who, like McCoughlin, is making a welcome return to the water.
A gaggle of 10 Oppies participated over the two days, with nine on the water on Saturday and experienced Iain Bowman joining them on Sunday. Vincent Vermaak owned the class, with an impressive 6 points notched up from the eight races. In second was Bowman’s younger brother Scott on 15 points, and third was Ethan Hooper, who travelled down from Richards Bay, earned himself a third. Also on the water, relishing the opportunity to compete were Marcel Vermaak, Blaine Dunbar, Connor McCoughlin, Tayghan Honicke representing Zululand Yacht Club, Iain Bowman, Thomas Hallum and Matthew Husen.
Sailing majestically on their 29er, Rob Tarboton from Henley Midmar Yacht Club, with his young crew Mike Dickinson, topped the log in the Open Fleet. Chomping at their heels, top international 505 sailor Thomas Funke who was joined by 29er sailor, Sean Hurter. Rear Commodore for Dinghies for Point Yacht Club, Myles White and Estelle Buys finished third overall and were the first Flying Fifteen. Joining them over the two days were Siseko Vato and Mpilo Khoza on an RS Terra; sisters, Theresa and Maggie Vermaak on their Mirror; newcomers to the Flying Fifteen class, father-and-son team; Dominic and Marco Collett on their newly purchased classic and another father-and-son team Iain and Rob Bowman, who unfortunately only sailed the first day due to a collision with the Collett’s injuring their wooden classic.
Race Officer for the event, Kevin Bingham set a short windward leeward course near the Durban Marina. The winds clocked around 6 knots at the start of racing, and gently built as the day warmed up.
The next event for the Point Yacht Club is the much anticipated Band on the Bay with the ceremonial sail past and fun bay race in celebration of the club’s 125 anniversary bash on Wednesday 9 August, the Women’s Day public holiday.
